Holla. The creators were from my area. They had a museum dedicated to them in Northampton, MA that we'd go to. I remember when the cartoon aired during a week of school-break; I loved it so much that I cried when they stopped it after just ONE week, but died of happiness when it returned. Now... this.:P
If he could fool half the nation into thinking that 'Pearl Harbor' had one of the nurses die for dramatic effect (not one nurse got killed, something the group had a lot of pride in), the planes were designed to handle the tricked-out moves they made and Ben Affleck could act, he can turn fictional turtles biblical.
But if anyone badmouths Josh Hartnett, I'll crush them into a fine powder. Because I love him.
"These public safety standards govern and protect a wide range of activity, from how bicycle helmets are constructed to how to test for lead in water to the safety characteristics of hearing aids and protective footwear."
I'm now picturing a guy wearing a too-small, cracked, highly illegal bicycle helmet and worn-through loafers putting lead paint chips into a glass of water, then yelling, "HUH? WHAT?? HUH?" when the cops bust in. God, I'm tired.
I dunno about sharp. I'd dull the blade myself, like they'd do in ancient beheadings to make the recipient suffer longer. Blunt is the way to go, if you ask me. Just be sure to take a 5-Hour and/or Red Bull and/or Adderal, etc. beforehand to make sure you have the energy for it.
Maybe I didn't get all the details, you're right. I'd assumed because of the size of the device (I'd seen pics of one of the investigators in court holding it up) that it'd been more inconspicuous than it was. I was wrong about those details, and I'll concede to that.
But never in my life will I blame the victim in these cases, because that's what Clementi was. Stick with your opinions and thoughts on the issue, I'm trying not to care about them anymore. Fact is, there was a total and complete violation of privacy, all done by Ravi. Whether or not Tyler was paranoid doesn't change a damned thing. He certainly didn't KNOW, because he wouldn't have done anything in front of a camera that he knew was on, so who the hell cares if he was paranoid or not? He trusted Ravi to abide by the law. Ravi didn't, so he was charged with the laws he broke. If those laws amount to 10 years and/or deportation--which yea, I've said in other threads, sounds a bit harsh even to me--oh well, those are the laws he broke and their punishments. If a law stated that an invasion of privacy required fifty years in prison and Ravi did it, was charged and sentenced, then he gets fifty years. You can say that the ten years Ravi got is unfair 'til you're blue in the face, it doesn't change the fact that the laws exists, and if you break them, you pay for it. Ignorance to that law doesn't excuse you from the consequences. For fuck's sake, ask a kindergartner whether doing that is 'right or wrong', don't even mention courts, police and jails, they'll answer 'wrong'. Respecting someone's privacy is almost instinctual; screw lawbooks. If an 18-year old can't get that through their head, then they're cruel and untrustworthy. Something is inherently wrong in the way they behave towards others.
I've pretty much said my piece, which is basically summed up as "I refuse to treat a proven victim of crime as the perpetrator." You will, and I can't reason with that. I can't relate to your thought patterns on this issue, and you can't relate to mine; that fact scares me, not because I'm afraid of you, but the collective mindset that will blame someone like Tyler for what happened to him. I do, however, find some solace in the fact that more and more people--especially the younger generation--are working against it.
So think what you will. No more analogies or arguments, I'm done.
I know. I'm getting angrier and angrier to the point that the other day, I had to shut every window regarding Ravi and the case off--what made me sad was that I had to close/., a place where I feel safe to express myself as someone who puts thought into what they say with like-minded people, most of whom are driven by reason, skepticism and fun geekery. It saddens me whenever I hear someone who's an atheist, scientist, etc. spout off like people have here because I expect better from them. I guess this is where, sadly, I lose some love and faith in the community I hold dear.
Btw, gay geeks are the hottest creatures on the planet. I think that in order to save my sanity, I'm clicking this away to continue working on my astronomy-geek!slash-fanfiction. I'm just getting to the renting-a-motel-room!scene, so wtf am I doing here being angry and shit? Lol...
Hold on, wait... when almost every laptop comes with a webcam, or are bought separately (which was what Ravi used; it wasn't a 'lappy', left open and looking obvious, but a separate, unobtrusive and damned near invisible webcam--maybe you should get the details before spouting off) we're all supposed to assume that our roomie, whether in a dorm or in a shared bedroom in an apartment is videoing us? Regardless of the fact that Tyler may or may not have caught him, Ravi was *trying his hand at it AGAIN*. Ravi wasn't the one having second thoughts about it and shutting it down--he needed to be caught. Maybe he would've set up a website in Tyler's 'honor', who knows? If he was diving in for a second round, who. the hell. knows?
WHY should it be second nature that someone who's living with you is betraying you and your trust? What's so wrong with your worldview that it's somehow Tyler's fault that Ravi was an asshole? That's like saying that it isn't a drunk driver's fault if he kills someone on the same road as the bar he was just at, because the "supposed victim" shouldn't have been driving on a street with a bar on it--that he put his life in danger in his assuming that the bar patrons were abiding the law and not getting behind the wheel of a fucking car whilst wasted. Or hey, if someone living in the projects, minding their own business gets shot in a drive-by on the way home from grabbing a soda at the corner store by people they don't even know them. But it's the PROJECTS, they're supposed to be cowering in fear behind the triple-locked doors to their homes. Wait, wait, someone might bust that door open and steal from/kill/rape them, but hey, they LIVE in the projects. They should've gotten better locks, right? Maybe if they weren't underprivileged and poor, they'd be able to get a McMansion in a gated community... for real, are you one of those people that would side with a guy who tried robbing a home but tripped on a kids' toy, became crippled and sued the family? "Yea, they shouldn't have left those toys out. A criminal could get hurt on his way to the silverware drawer."
I have really, really good friends that do that in their fiction, and no matter how wonderful they think they are, I grit my teeth and swear under my breath every time I see it. Can you imagine someone saying "I got loost in the mall."???
I should've read the comments more carefully before making my own, as I could've skipped that step and say, "Yea, what tpstigers said," lol. Buuut, wellll... this HAS been deemed as flamebait, the poor chap.
"to think of all the Grammar Nazi, getting corrected all the time because the language has changed on them"
Well, even if words change, that doesn't mean grammar rules do. Chat/Catspeak is to point out both the ridiculousness and sometimes, blatant ignorance of those on the internet and the funneh way cats WOULD speak given a voice. Having bad grammar and disobeying what is seen as obvious (I ran into a Tea-Partier in a political discussion a few weeks ago that thought 'do'nt' was the way to go--he did it twice in the same comment, so he can't claim 'typo') doesn't help when it comes to wanting to be taken seriously. We're all allowed to make mistakes. I have, and I pride myself as being known as a good writer to circles of friends on writing-sites and what not. It can happen to anyone.
One flaw in your argument is that you can't expect other people, *especially* on the internet to take you 100% seriously when it comes to your mistakes in spelling/grammar. If an aspiring scientist depends on everyone else to correct them for not spelling things right or screwing up the table of elements at a constant, they aren't going to go far unless they recognize it as *their problem*, something they need to get on top of. An argument you want to make needs to be presented with care and attention to details when it comes to language. That's just the way it is. But I understand how it feels to not get the proper education or understanding when you're learning for the first time. I'd always thought I was crap at math and science, until I entered self-learning programs in college. Where I couldn't do Algebra I in high school, I passed Algebra II with flying colors. Maybe take up grammar-studies as a hobby? I dunno.:P
Oh, lol, btw... I emailed my husband that I was being teased (nicely) about using flugton--and it's a word! He says:
"And, if it helps, flugton (pron: "floog-tone") is the pitch of the hum or buzz generated by an insect's wings. The word is German (loose translation: "flight-tone"), but does appear in a couple of older English-language entomology texts. So there.;)"
I make up words to replace swearing when I don't WANT to swear. I'd probably be flagged and kicked outta here if I was as potty-mouthed as I am in daily life, lol. I've often joked with my husband that I'm gonna make him add every ridiculous word I can make up into the next edition.:D
'Collegiate' references each publication MW puts out every decade or so, not a college student. They're working on the 12th Collegiate, the 11th having come out in 2003.
We're talking a complete infiltration, or even having its own separate publication. The 11th Collegiate came out in 2003 (I was about 8 1/2 months pregnant at the release party, so I couldn't enjoy the bar they'd set up in the Quadrangle's library, darn it all), and while the 12th's release isn't known to me, it's the idea that each Collegiate is basically a Bible of our times; it's not just a few minor things added between each release. The deadlines they have for projects aren't done by weeks or months but *decades*, and that enormous length of time is just as stressful and "OMG, are we gonna get this done??" as a businessman having a week to compile last month's facts and figures for their company. So the 12th Collegiate is going to be very, very, very interesting.
He'd have a flugton more to add to this (and would probably correct me on a few points), so maybe I'll link him to this.
I remember an episode of 'Recess', a Saturday morn cartoon from the late 90's, where the main characters made up a word to replace swearing: whomps. It wasn't long before the school board dog-piled them, saying it wasn't allowed as they considered it a swear now since all the kids were using it to curse. It was a very interesting episode.
My husband works for Merriam-Webster as an assistant editor/lexicographer. You wouldn't believe some of the stuff that goes on there. People will call and demand fame for a word. For example, some guy called in and said he'd been the one to come up with the word 'ginormous', and wanted credit for it. They don't seem to understand the process. MW's archives in the basement is a CIA-esque compilation of language; they'll use every collegiate they have for reference, going all the way back to the first one. Husband says it won't be long before internet-meme creations are included.
It's good to keep testing and experimenting in this area. It gives a fair shake of sorts to the psychic community, while continuously disproving their claims (almost wrote that as clams). Lolloplex. Yea, I'm a skeptic and don't believe it. Even as a Pagan, who'd read tarot cards, performed in circles and claimed to have a serious affinity relationship to Loki, I'd see through the bullshite when everyone in my coven would start flipping out, thinking a former member-turned enemy was putting curses on them. I got a call once: "ARE YOU FEELING ANYTHING NEGATIVE?? WE THINK WE'RE BEING PSYCHICALLY-ATTACKED BY BLAZEEBLAH!"
"Er... no?" All I could think was, "Maybe, I dunno--you're overreacting?" I guess I've always felt this way, even if I had spiritual beliefs.
In ways, I agree. I don't honestly believe Ravi's a raging homophobe, but what comes *out* of homophobic reactions/actions happened in this case. Another situation, one perhaps that is more extreme, is handing out a murder conviction to a drunk driver who killed another innocent person. 'Murder' is a strong word, especially when you consider that the one labeled as a murderer just went out for a fun night with friends, had bad judgment, got behind the wheel and POOF, someone's dead. Even if it was their first time, they'd at least get vehicular manslaughter... but the murder charge can happen too, depending on the situation/severity. Either way, someone was killed due to someone's negligence and ignorance, and to say they were murdered fits.
So apply it to THIS case: Ravi exploited and humiliated a gay man for doing gay things in a terrible--and imho, unforgivable, way. He's shown no real remorse, when since this is so public and striking, he OWES that very public a glimpse of remorse if he does, in fact, feel it. Is that selfish of me? Perhaps. But this is a case that hit me hard. When my coworker told me about it, I literally started crying, right there at the bain marie at work. It's something that, to me, is awful, and I can't excuse it. I DO see it as a brand of hate, as I highly doubt Ravi would've been so eager to film it if Tyler had a girl over instead. And even if he HAD, no one would've said "ew gross!", but "Aw yea!" and that ilk. Just his expressing his disgust at Tyler's actions give it a hateful-flavor, I'm sorry. That's how I see it. We can differ in opinions on that, I suppose.
And you were the one to bring up smells and stains, not me. It's not as if shooing out a dorm-roomie to get some with your guy or girl is an anomaly. It happens a million times a day on every campus in the world. It's something that's been accepted as college-life behavior, and is usually accommodated pleasantly by the roomie saying they'll take off and let 'em have at it. Tyler should have been afforded that same respect.
I agree that he had every right to tell Tyler he wasn't comfortable in his bringing someone he didn't know into their shared space for sex. Most definitely. And he should've SAID so, in a polite way. I highly doubt Tyler barged into the room and said, "HEY I'm gonna have sex with someone and there's nothing you can do about it." He asked, Ravi said yes then betrayed his trust in the most disgusting way possible. There are serious flaws in your take on this, to me, at least.
And do you think straight-sex doesn't come with odd smells and stains? Maybe it's more 'acceptable' for a guy and girl to do the deed in our underdeveloped, get-with-the-times!society, but it's a double-standard. Still, Ravi had all rights to say "dude, not comfortable" and if he wasn't homophobic but simply that--uncomfortable--then I would've taken his side if Tyler had cried "homophobia!" over valid concerns. They shared space; Ravi had every right to oppose Tyler's bringing someone he didn't know into their dorm room. But he didn't do that. He chose cruelty over thought and reason, over his treating a fellow human being with dignity and respect for his life-choices. The fact that people can't grasp that he broke laws and earned the punishments they afford (witness intimidation? Yea, he's really repenting, isn't he?_ is astounding to me.
I'd tried commenting, but it didn't come out--apologies in advance if I double-comment.
Basically, you seem to have forgotten one very important fact: Ravi had videotaped it, talked about it on twitter than gathered an audience for a *second, public-forum'ed round* in live-video-feeding Tyler's next 'romantic interaction'. He gathered. An. Audience, every member of it discussing it real-time with "OMG SO GROSS LOL"-esque commentary. If someone secretly videoed me and my husband of ten years having sex, all to make fun of m c-section-created flab, I'd die inside. That's figuratively; I'd even be tempted to make it literal.
He videotaped it, talked about it, then SET UP THE CAM AGAIN for everyone to watch. You seemed to have forgotten that fact. This not only had vicious intent to shame, degrade and bully, but hey, it's not good/funny/awesomesauce enough when it doesn't have an audience. Ravi gathered up an *audience* for a second round, with live chat and lots of "SO GROSS LMAO"-esque commentary.
In short, I'm technically straight (with some gender-queer qualities), and if someone secretly videoed me and my husband of ten years and broadcast it, everyone laughing at my c-section-induced flab, I'd never be the same. I'd probably *consider* suicide myself.
Agreed, wholeheartedly. There ARE groups of people out there that are in dire need of extra-protections, considering the opposition drawn against them. For those already empowered to start whining about how others get 'special treatment' gets my eyes a'rollin'. I'm sure it's the same attitude that came about when men were suddenly not allowed to beat their wives. 'Special treatment'=not beating your sweetheart with a bat.
I've posted this comment in other places, and I think it's fitting to repeat...
There are two questions anyone trying to form an opinion on this case should ask themselves:
1. Can you come up with two or more positive outcomes that would have come from Ravi's actions against Tyler?
My answer: Absolutely not. What Ravi did was, plain and simple, cruel and yes, unusual. I don't care if he's an 18-year-old "kid". I knew by the age of 5 that you treated people with respect. When Tyler found out, there would have been no "haha"s or him buying rounds for the group, saying, "Man, you guys got me good! Barkeep! Another round for my good pals!" If it hadn't been suicide, it'd be clinical depression, leaving his school of choice, and/or other negative outcomes. Mind, I don't hold Ravi accountable for Tyler's suicide, but the conditions that LED him there.I'm sure Tyler showed serious distress and depression between the time he found out and his sad choice; couldn't Ravi have shown remorse, stepped in and apologized? Since he didn't, and by all reports I've read, *hasn't*, then I can't be satisfied that he's a "poor boy who made a mistake".
2. Could he have told Tyler he didn't want that going on in their dorm, avoiding his 'discomfort' that supposedly led him to ogling a scene of two guys getting it on?
My answer: Yes. If he "couldn't handle two guys kissing", then he shouldn't have invited himself to watch via webcam. One big DUH there. I believe that anyone living in a dorm and having a roommate has the right to say what they'd like/not like have happen in their living space. As much as I usually side/support the gay community, I wouldn't have seen Ravi telling Tyler, "Look, with all due respect, I ain't comfortable, especially since I don't know this guy. Can you go back to his place or something?" If Tyler had called "PREJUDICE!", I would most likely side with Ravi. They could have talked it over, making rules as to what they want and DON'T want going on, as they have to compromise.
So yea--those two factors/questions lead me to hoping Ravi gets what he gets. Whether or not some view 10 years and/or deportation as extreme (I kinda do myself), the laws he broke were laws already in existence. One can't plead ignorance to those laws and be told, "Aw, well, just don't do it again, 'k?"
Yes, I will almost always take the side of the homosexual community. I myself am gender-queer (a woman who finds more satisfaction and worth in imagining two men together, rather than myself engaged in straight relationships) and don't mind saying it. I'm strong in my convictions and self-introspection to the point where my friends and family know who I am and why--my HUSBAND was the one to help me identify myself. I'm confident enough and don't care what people think of me; unfortunately, Tyler was too young and vulnerable. If we're to say Ravi was 'inexperienced' in the homosexual dynamic and 'didn't understand', then how can we then expect Tyler to rationalize his situation when he was so overcome by emotion and pain, due to another's horrendous actions toward him?
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Holla. The creators were from my area. They had a museum dedicated to them in Northampton, MA that we'd go to. I remember when the cartoon aired during a week of school-break; I loved it so much that I cried when they stopped it after just ONE week, but died of happiness when it returned. Now... this. :P
If he could fool half the nation into thinking that 'Pearl Harbor' had one of the nurses die for dramatic effect (not one nurse got killed, something the group had a lot of pride in), the planes were designed to handle the tricked-out moves they made and Ben Affleck could act, he can turn fictional turtles biblical.
But if anyone badmouths Josh Hartnett, I'll crush them into a fine powder. Because I love him.
"These public safety standards govern and protect a wide range of activity, from how bicycle helmets are constructed to how to test for lead in water to the safety characteristics of hearing aids and protective footwear."
I'm now picturing a guy wearing a too-small, cracked, highly illegal bicycle helmet and worn-through loafers putting lead paint chips into a glass of water, then yelling, "HUH? WHAT?? HUH?" when the cops bust in. God, I'm tired.
I dunno about sharp. I'd dull the blade myself, like they'd do in ancient beheadings to make the recipient suffer longer. Blunt is the way to go, if you ask me. Just be sure to take a 5-Hour and/or Red Bull and/or Adderal, etc. beforehand to make sure you have the energy for it.
Maybe I didn't get all the details, you're right. I'd assumed because of the size of the device (I'd seen pics of one of the investigators in court holding it up) that it'd been more inconspicuous than it was. I was wrong about those details, and I'll concede to that.
But never in my life will I blame the victim in these cases, because that's what Clementi was. Stick with your opinions and thoughts on the issue, I'm trying not to care about them anymore. Fact is, there was a total and complete violation of privacy, all done by Ravi. Whether or not Tyler was paranoid doesn't change a damned thing. He certainly didn't KNOW, because he wouldn't have done anything in front of a camera that he knew was on, so who the hell cares if he was paranoid or not? He trusted Ravi to abide by the law. Ravi didn't, so he was charged with the laws he broke. If those laws amount to 10 years and/or deportation--which yea, I've said in other threads, sounds a bit harsh even to me--oh well, those are the laws he broke and their punishments. If a law stated that an invasion of privacy required fifty years in prison and Ravi did it, was charged and sentenced, then he gets fifty years. You can say that the ten years Ravi got is unfair 'til you're blue in the face, it doesn't change the fact that the laws exists, and if you break them, you pay for it. Ignorance to that law doesn't excuse you from the consequences. For fuck's sake, ask a kindergartner whether doing that is 'right or wrong', don't even mention courts, police and jails, they'll answer 'wrong'. Respecting someone's privacy is almost instinctual; screw lawbooks. If an 18-year old can't get that through their head, then they're cruel and untrustworthy. Something is inherently wrong in the way they behave towards others.
I've pretty much said my piece, which is basically summed up as "I refuse to treat a proven victim of crime as the perpetrator." You will, and I can't reason with that. I can't relate to your thought patterns on this issue, and you can't relate to mine; that fact scares me, not because I'm afraid of you, but the collective mindset that will blame someone like Tyler for what happened to him. I do, however, find some solace in the fact that more and more people--especially the younger generation--are working against it.
So think what you will. No more analogies or arguments, I'm done.
I know. I'm getting angrier and angrier to the point that the other day, I had to shut every window regarding Ravi and the case off--what made me sad was that I had to close /., a place where I feel safe to express myself as someone who puts thought into what they say with like-minded people, most of whom are driven by reason, skepticism and fun geekery. It saddens me whenever I hear someone who's an atheist, scientist, etc. spout off like people have here because I expect better from them. I guess this is where, sadly, I lose some love and faith in the community I hold dear.
Btw, gay geeks are the hottest creatures on the planet. I think that in order to save my sanity, I'm clicking this away to continue working on my astronomy-geek!slash-fanfiction. I'm just getting to the renting-a-motel-room!scene, so wtf am I doing here being angry and shit? Lol...
Hold on, wait... when almost every laptop comes with a webcam, or are bought separately (which was what Ravi used; it wasn't a 'lappy', left open and looking obvious, but a separate, unobtrusive and damned near invisible webcam--maybe you should get the details before spouting off) we're all supposed to assume that our roomie, whether in a dorm or in a shared bedroom in an apartment is videoing us? Regardless of the fact that Tyler may or may not have caught him, Ravi was *trying his hand at it AGAIN*. Ravi wasn't the one having second thoughts about it and shutting it down--he needed to be caught. Maybe he would've set up a website in Tyler's 'honor', who knows? If he was diving in for a second round, who. the hell. knows?
WHY should it be second nature that someone who's living with you is betraying you and your trust? What's so wrong with your worldview that it's somehow Tyler's fault that Ravi was an asshole? That's like saying that it isn't a drunk driver's fault if he kills someone on the same road as the bar he was just at, because the "supposed victim" shouldn't have been driving on a street with a bar on it--that he put his life in danger in his assuming that the bar patrons were abiding the law and not getting behind the wheel of a fucking car whilst wasted. Or hey, if someone living in the projects, minding their own business gets shot in a drive-by on the way home from grabbing a soda at the corner store by people they don't even know them. But it's the PROJECTS, they're supposed to be cowering in fear behind the triple-locked doors to their homes. Wait, wait, someone might bust that door open and steal from/kill/rape them, but hey, they LIVE in the projects. They should've gotten better locks, right? Maybe if they weren't underprivileged and poor, they'd be able to get a McMansion in a gated community... for real, are you one of those people that would side with a guy who tried robbing a home but tripped on a kids' toy, became crippled and sued the family? "Yea, they shouldn't have left those toys out. A criminal could get hurt on his way to the silverware drawer."
For fuck's sake. Want me to go on? Cos' I could.
I have really, really good friends that do that in their fiction, and no matter how wonderful they think they are, I grit my teeth and swear under my breath every time I see it. Can you imagine someone saying "I got loost in the mall."???
I should've read the comments more carefully before making my own, as I could've skipped that step and say, "Yea, what tpstigers said," lol. Buuut, wellll... this HAS been deemed as flamebait, the poor chap.
"to think of all the Grammar Nazi, getting corrected all the time because the language has changed on them"
Well, even if words change, that doesn't mean grammar rules do. Chat/Catspeak is to point out both the ridiculousness and sometimes, blatant ignorance of those on the internet and the funneh way cats WOULD speak given a voice. Having bad grammar and disobeying what is seen as obvious (I ran into a Tea-Partier in a political discussion a few weeks ago that thought 'do'nt' was the way to go--he did it twice in the same comment, so he can't claim 'typo') doesn't help when it comes to wanting to be taken seriously. We're all allowed to make mistakes. I have, and I pride myself as being known as a good writer to circles of friends on writing-sites and what not. It can happen to anyone.
One flaw in your argument is that you can't expect other people, *especially* on the internet to take you 100% seriously when it comes to your mistakes in spelling/grammar. If an aspiring scientist depends on everyone else to correct them for not spelling things right or screwing up the table of elements at a constant, they aren't going to go far unless they recognize it as *their problem*, something they need to get on top of. An argument you want to make needs to be presented with care and attention to details when it comes to language. That's just the way it is. But I understand how it feels to not get the proper education or understanding when you're learning for the first time. I'd always thought I was crap at math and science, until I entered self-learning programs in college. Where I couldn't do Algebra I in high school, I passed Algebra II with flying colors. Maybe take up grammar-studies as a hobby? I dunno. :P
Hah, well then... I won't give a Fuck-Fuck-McFuckity-Fuck from hereon in (or is that overdoing it?)!
Oh, lol, btw... I emailed my husband that I was being teased (nicely) about using flugton--and it's a word! He says:
"And, if it helps, flugton (pron: "floog-tone") is the pitch of the hum or buzz generated by an insect's wings. The word is German (loose translation: "flight-tone"), but does appear in a couple of older English-language entomology texts. So there.;)"
See? I was TOTALLY talking about insect-wings. ;)
I make up words to replace swearing when I don't WANT to swear. I'd probably be flagged and kicked outta here if I was as potty-mouthed as I am in daily life, lol. I've often joked with my husband that I'm gonna make him add every ridiculous word I can make up into the next edition. :D
'Collegiate' references each publication MW puts out every decade or so, not a college student. They're working on the 12th Collegiate, the 11th having come out in 2003.
We're talking a complete infiltration, or even having its own separate publication. The 11th Collegiate came out in 2003 (I was about 8 1/2 months pregnant at the release party, so I couldn't enjoy the bar they'd set up in the Quadrangle's library, darn it all), and while the 12th's release isn't known to me, it's the idea that each Collegiate is basically a Bible of our times; it's not just a few minor things added between each release. The deadlines they have for projects aren't done by weeks or months but *decades*, and that enormous length of time is just as stressful and "OMG, are we gonna get this done??" as a businessman having a week to compile last month's facts and figures for their company. So the 12th Collegiate is going to be very, very, very interesting.
He'd have a flugton more to add to this (and would probably correct me on a few points), so maybe I'll link him to this.
I remember an episode of 'Recess', a Saturday morn cartoon from the late 90's, where the main characters made up a word to replace swearing: whomps. It wasn't long before the school board dog-piled them, saying it wasn't allowed as they considered it a swear now since all the kids were using it to curse. It was a very interesting episode.
My husband works for Merriam-Webster as an assistant editor/lexicographer. You wouldn't believe some of the stuff that goes on there. People will call and demand fame for a word. For example, some guy called in and said he'd been the one to come up with the word 'ginormous', and wanted credit for it. They don't seem to understand the process. MW's archives in the basement is a CIA-esque compilation of language; they'll use every collegiate they have for reference, going all the way back to the first one. Husband says it won't be long before internet-meme creations are included.
It's good to keep testing and experimenting in this area. It gives a fair shake of sorts to the psychic community, while continuously disproving their claims (almost wrote that as clams). Lolloplex. Yea, I'm a skeptic and don't believe it. Even as a Pagan, who'd read tarot cards, performed in circles and claimed to have a serious affinity relationship to Loki, I'd see through the bullshite when everyone in my coven would start flipping out, thinking a former member-turned enemy was putting curses on them. I got a call once: "ARE YOU FEELING ANYTHING NEGATIVE?? WE THINK WE'RE BEING PSYCHICALLY-ATTACKED BY BLAZEEBLAH!"
"Er... no?" All I could think was, "Maybe, I dunno--you're overreacting?" I guess I've always felt this way, even if I had spiritual beliefs.
In ways, I agree. I don't honestly believe Ravi's a raging homophobe, but what comes *out* of homophobic reactions/actions happened in this case. Another situation, one perhaps that is more extreme, is handing out a murder conviction to a drunk driver who killed another innocent person. 'Murder' is a strong word, especially when you consider that the one labeled as a murderer just went out for a fun night with friends, had bad judgment, got behind the wheel and POOF, someone's dead. Even if it was their first time, they'd at least get vehicular manslaughter... but the murder charge can happen too, depending on the situation/severity. Either way, someone was killed due to someone's negligence and ignorance, and to say they were murdered fits.
So apply it to THIS case: Ravi exploited and humiliated a gay man for doing gay things in a terrible--and imho, unforgivable, way. He's shown no real remorse, when since this is so public and striking, he OWES that very public a glimpse of remorse if he does, in fact, feel it. Is that selfish of me? Perhaps. But this is a case that hit me hard. When my coworker told me about it, I literally started crying, right there at the bain marie at work. It's something that, to me, is awful, and I can't excuse it. I DO see it as a brand of hate, as I highly doubt Ravi would've been so eager to film it if Tyler had a girl over instead. And even if he HAD, no one would've said "ew gross!", but "Aw yea!" and that ilk. Just his expressing his disgust at Tyler's actions give it a hateful-flavor, I'm sorry. That's how I see it. We can differ in opinions on that, I suppose.
And you were the one to bring up smells and stains, not me. It's not as if shooing out a dorm-roomie to get some with your guy or girl is an anomaly. It happens a million times a day on every campus in the world. It's something that's been accepted as college-life behavior, and is usually accommodated pleasantly by the roomie saying they'll take off and let 'em have at it. Tyler should have been afforded that same respect.
Aw... thanks for the thoughts. I can sometimes be a loose cannon who thinks she knows everything, but in cases like these, I just... yea. :)
I agree that he had every right to tell Tyler he wasn't comfortable in his bringing someone he didn't know into their shared space for sex. Most definitely. And he should've SAID so, in a polite way. I highly doubt Tyler barged into the room and said, "HEY I'm gonna have sex with someone and there's nothing you can do about it." He asked, Ravi said yes then betrayed his trust in the most disgusting way possible. There are serious flaws in your take on this, to me, at least.
And do you think straight-sex doesn't come with odd smells and stains? Maybe it's more 'acceptable' for a guy and girl to do the deed in our underdeveloped, get-with-the-times!society, but it's a double-standard. Still, Ravi had all rights to say "dude, not comfortable" and if he wasn't homophobic but simply that--uncomfortable--then I would've taken his side if Tyler had cried "homophobia!" over valid concerns. They shared space; Ravi had every right to oppose Tyler's bringing someone he didn't know into their dorm room. But he didn't do that. He chose cruelty over thought and reason, over his treating a fellow human being with dignity and respect for his life-choices. The fact that people can't grasp that he broke laws and earned the punishments they afford (witness intimidation? Yea, he's really repenting, isn't he?_ is astounding to me.
I'd tried commenting, but it didn't come out--apologies in advance if I double-comment.
Basically, you seem to have forgotten one very important fact: Ravi had videotaped it, talked about it on twitter than gathered an audience for a *second, public-forum'ed round* in live-video-feeding Tyler's next 'romantic interaction'. He gathered. An. Audience, every member of it discussing it real-time with "OMG SO GROSS LOL"-esque commentary. If someone secretly videoed me and my husband of ten years having sex, all to make fun of m c-section-created flab, I'd die inside. That's figuratively; I'd even be tempted to make it literal.
He videotaped it, talked about it, then SET UP THE CAM AGAIN for everyone to watch. You seemed to have forgotten that fact. This not only had vicious intent to shame, degrade and bully, but hey, it's not good/funny/awesomesauce enough when it doesn't have an audience. Ravi gathered up an *audience* for a second round, with live chat and lots of "SO GROSS LMAO"-esque commentary.
In short, I'm technically straight (with some gender-queer qualities), and if someone secretly videoed me and my husband of ten years and broadcast it, everyone laughing at my c-section-induced flab, I'd never be the same. I'd probably *consider* suicide myself.
Agreed, wholeheartedly. There ARE groups of people out there that are in dire need of extra-protections, considering the opposition drawn against them. For those already empowered to start whining about how others get 'special treatment' gets my eyes a'rollin'. I'm sure it's the same attitude that came about when men were suddenly not allowed to beat their wives. 'Special treatment'=not beating your sweetheart with a bat.
I've posted this comment in other places, and I think it's fitting to repeat...
There are two questions anyone trying to form an opinion on this case should ask themselves:
1. Can you come up with two or more positive outcomes that would have come from Ravi's actions against Tyler?
My answer: Absolutely not. What Ravi did was, plain and simple, cruel and yes, unusual. I don't care if he's an 18-year-old "kid". I knew by the age of 5 that you treated people with respect. When Tyler found out, there would have been no "haha"s or him buying rounds for the group, saying, "Man, you guys got me good! Barkeep! Another round for my good pals!" If it hadn't been suicide, it'd be clinical depression, leaving his school of choice, and/or other negative outcomes. Mind, I don't hold Ravi accountable for Tyler's suicide, but the conditions that LED him there.I'm sure Tyler showed serious distress and depression between the time he found out and his sad choice; couldn't Ravi have shown remorse, stepped in and apologized? Since he didn't, and by all reports I've read, *hasn't*, then I can't be satisfied that he's a "poor boy who made a mistake".
2. Could he have told Tyler he didn't want that going on in their dorm, avoiding his 'discomfort' that supposedly led him to ogling a scene of two guys getting it on?
My answer: Yes. If he "couldn't handle two guys kissing", then he shouldn't have invited himself to watch via webcam. One big DUH there. I believe that anyone living in a dorm and having a roommate has the right to say what they'd like/not like have happen in their living space. As much as I usually side/support the gay community, I wouldn't have seen Ravi telling Tyler, "Look, with all due respect, I ain't comfortable, especially since I don't know this guy. Can you go back to his place or something?" If Tyler had called "PREJUDICE!", I would most likely side with Ravi. They could have talked it over, making rules as to what they want and DON'T want going on, as they have to compromise.
So yea--those two factors/questions lead me to hoping Ravi gets what he gets. Whether or not some view 10 years and/or deportation as extreme (I kinda do myself), the laws he broke were laws already in existence. One can't plead ignorance to those laws and be told, "Aw, well, just don't do it again, 'k?"
Yes, I will almost always take the side of the homosexual community. I myself am gender-queer (a woman who finds more satisfaction and worth in imagining two men together, rather than myself engaged in straight relationships) and don't mind saying it. I'm strong in my convictions and self-introspection to the point where my friends and family know who I am and why--my HUSBAND was the one to help me identify myself. I'm confident enough and don't care what people think of me; unfortunately, Tyler was too young and vulnerable. If we're to say Ravi was 'inexperienced' in the homosexual dynamic and 'didn't understand', then how can we then expect Tyler to rationalize his situation when he was so overcome by emotion and pain, due to another's horrendous actions toward him?